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McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Andrew Nabors – March 23, 2021

Jeep Magneto Concept Shocks Everyone at Moab

This year's Easter Jeep Safari offers high-voltage fun! Batteries would seem like an unnecessary weight when it comes to off-roading, but the future looks bright thanks to a few new concepts. Jeep Performance Parts is a division of Mopar, and their latest offering is truly unprecedented. The Jeep Magneto concept has shocked everyone at Moab by being the first battery-powered (life-size) Wrangler. It's time to put away your Power Wheels because this one is likely heading for production. The 4WD world doesn't know what to think of it. Starting with a custom-built axial-flux motor, engineers wanted to replicate the power of their 3.6-liter. Therefore it has a redline of 6,000 rpm and it is bolted to a SIX SPEED MANUAL transmission. Stop drooling, you will have 273 lb-ft of torque at almost any rpm, which means choosing a gear will translate into how quickly you leave everyone else in the dust. Four unique 70kW battery packs are designed to offer a very low center of gravity. Not only will it offer comfortable handling, you can tackle steep trails with ease. The 800-volt system also powers a 10kW heater for warm adventures once the doors are roof are removed. All components are sealed to handle 30" of water, and the 35" all-terrains get you to 60 mpg in 6.8 seconds. They wouldn't go to all this trouble for a one-off show queen, so tell us your thoughts of an electric Wrangler in the comments below. Shop Jeep Images (C) Stellantis

By Andrew Nabors – February 09, 2021

Jeep Grand Wagoneer Teased In "The Road Ahead"

As part of their 80th-anniversary celebrations, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer was teased in "The Road Ahead". Forging their own path into an electric future, their latest upload looks at how far the brand has come since rolling into the Second World War. The Wrangler 4XE offers 25 miles of battery range and the upcoming resurrection of their full-size SUV looks to have an impressive array of touchscreens. With the impending arrival of the 2022 Grand Cherokee along with its Dodge Durango cousin, it would appropriate to drop the Hellcat Hemi into this new luxury hauler. Bruce Springsteen and Jeep are showing us "The Middle" so choose your road ahead by clicking the button below. Browse Jeep For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – November 04, 2020

Jeep Gladiator Top Dog Concept Caters To Mountain Bikers

Taking your 2-wheeler off-road is a great way to exercise so you will get hungry. Instead of turning to granola or wild berries, our friends at MOPAR have something for your appetite. That's because the Jeep Gladiator Top Dog concept caters to mountain bikers. Compiling many of their latest accessories, you will have rock sliders, an 8,000-lb winch from Warn, and off-road LED lights. They saved the real dog treats for the bed, as your patrons will enjoy the battery-powered fridge and hot dog roller grill. Above those are two matching Trek bikes that have dedicated toolboxes below. What you see here is available from your local Jeep dealer, so tell them where you saw it first and stay with us for all your Jeep news. Browse Jeep For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – November 01, 2019

Jeep Unveils "Three O Five" Edition Wrangler & Gladiator

As much of the nation is cooling from the Polar Vortex, Miami is about to have a hot weekend. That's because Jeep has unveiled "Three O Five" edition Wrangler & Gladiator for the Miami Auto Show. As an homage to Miami's area code, references to these digits can be found in decades of popular lyrics. As a native Floridian, Jeeps have always been the perfect Winter vehicle. Who needs doors (or in my case floors). The Gladiator Three O Five includes the following: Three O Five hood graphic and hood and side fender decal package Sport S model 3.6-liter engine Body-color fender flare and all-terrain tire package Jeep Performance Parts grille and surrounds 7-inch radio with Apple CarPlay and Android Audio All-weather floor mats The Wrangler Three O Five is a different beast, showing the versatility of the Jeep Lineup. It arrives with: Three O Five hood graphic and hood and side fender decal package Sport S model 2.0-liter direct-injection turbo engine 8-speed automatic transmission Sport LED headlight group Sky One-touch powertop Black fuel filler door Jeep Performance Parts grille and surrounds 7-inch radio with Apple CarPlay and Android Audio All-weather floor mats Jeep has committed to building 255 examples of the Wrangler and 50 Gladiators in this spec. If you are considering a new Jeep, they can also be ordered with: Grille and winch guard Tube doors Steel front bumper Winch and mount Fairlead mount kit 2-inch lift kit 5-inch off-road LED light kit 7-inch off-road LED light kit Lower A-pillar light mounting brackets Winch guard light mounting 17-inch Jeep Performance Parts aluminum wheels Jeep Performance Parts rock rails Door sill guards Katzkin leather seats Browse All Jeep FOr Sale Don't hold out for warmer weather, our Jeep dealers will bring the heat to you. Click the button above for all the details and stay with us for all your Jeep news. " width="680"> Related: Hennessey Maximus 1000 is the Ultimate Jeep Gladiator

By Andrew Nabors – April 08, 2019

Jeep & Mopar Unveil Six Concepts for Easter Safari 2019

Jeepers have been celebrating Easter at Moab, Utah for 53 years. What began as an enthusiast event has been adopted by Fiat Chrysler as a way to interact with their customers. This tradition grows larger every year thanks to social media and the growing Wrangler fan base. In order to show us what they are capable of, Jeep & Mopar unveiled six concepts for Easter Safari 2019. Tell us what you think of these slick six Jeeps: First up is the Jeep Wayout: This new Gladiator Overland makes use of the generous payload rating to support a full canopy above the bed. The Jeep Flatbill is aimed at Motocross riders, with two bikes mounted in the bed. It wears Rubicon trim, complete with fender vents, an aggressive hood, and a cloth top. If you like classic lines, the Five-Quarter is a classic 1968 M-715. These rugged Army trucks were based on the classic Gladiator. The name is a nod to the Army's rating of 1 & 1/4 tons, which was conservative given their reverence by veterans. This resto-mod uses late model suspension and modern upgrades to tackle the trails. Mopar delivered the Jeep J6. It has styling reminiscent of classic Jeep trucks along with a host of upgrades available from the dealer. If you have been looking for a classic CJ-8, the new Jeep JT Scrambler is an 80's themed Gladiator with the latest in Mopar performance parts. Last up is the Jeep Gladiator Gravity. This one appeals to the rock crawling community, showcasing suspension upgrades already available at your dealer. Browse Jeep Wrangler For Sale " width="680">

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